If you spend a lot of time on your feet, then you’re no stranger to aches, hot spots, blisters, and other foot conditions. Whether you’re an athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or have a job that requires prolonged standing, the pain and discomfort that you experience can be alleviated with aftermarket insoles.
Depending on your needs, there is a wide variety of shoe inserts to choose from, from something that will cushion your feet to something that will enhance your athletic performance. Not all are created equal, however, so we’ll tell you which are the best insoles for standing all day.
But first…
Why Are Good Shoe Inserts So Important?
Generally speaking, there are two types of insoles: comfort and support.
Comfort insoles are suitable for people who experience foot pain and fatigue from standing or walking on hard surfaces all day. These can be made from gel or foam and come in different lengths.
Support or sport insoles are firmer, providing structural support and stability rather than direct cushioning.
Selecting a good quality shoe insert is important because it prevents and treats a number of injuries and conditions, such as:
- Structural misalignment, whose symptoms include pain in the foot and discomfort in other parts of the body.
- Underpronation or overpronation, where the foot rolls out or rolls in excessively while walking or running.
- Plantar fasciitis, a painful condition where the plantar fascia, the ligament that supports the arch, is strained and torn.
- Jumper’s knee, runner’s knee, shin splints, and stress fractures.
How to Choose the Best Insoles for Standing All Day
While not always customized to your feet, aftermarket insoles come in various models. Selecting the best insoles for standing all day would largely depend on your foot shape, shoe type, and condition, if any.
Shoe Types
- If you wear running shoes, hiking boots, or other high-volume footwear, go for a high-volume insole.
- If you wear casual shoes, cycling shoes, or other low-volume footwear, choose a low-volume insole.
- Shoes with heel slippage can be improved with a mid- to high-volume insole.
Specific Conditions
- If you have arch pain or plantar fasciitis, opt for a full-length insole with a built-up arch and shaped heel. This type of insole is also good if the muscles on the outside of your foot or ankle are overworked.
- If you have an injured calf or Achilles tendon, a heel lift can help alleviate the pressure. Use it in both shoes even if only one leg is injured or sore to avoid imbalances.
- If you have low or collapsed arches, use a supportive insole to stabilize the heel and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.
Fitting
After narrowing down your options to a few models, it is recommended to try them out first.
- Stand on the insole prior to placing it inside the shoe. Lift your other foot and balance on the foot on the insole. Do you feel stable and supported?
- Remove the stock insert, place the insole inside your shoe, and test the fit and feel. Do you feel stable and supported? Does the insole take up just the right amount of space inside the shoe?
More Tips
- A good insert should be flexible, lightweight, and durable.
- For a more customized fit, look for a heat-moldable insole. This insert is usually warmed up first in an oven, then stepped on to conform to the shape of your foot.
Top 10 Best Insoles for Standing All Day
Despite the above tips and information, we know that it can still be a challenge to choose the right shoe insert, with so many models out there. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and listed the 10 best insoles for standing all day below to help you out.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Since its inception in 1977, Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles have remained pretty much the same for 40 years.
Fitting most roomy shoes and boots, this professional-grade insert is suitable for individuals with high arches and/or those who are suffering from foot pain, heel pain, arch pain, and plantar fasciitis. Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles have a distinct shape that help support and stabilize the foot, reducing stress on the feet, ankles, and knees.
Pros:
- High arch and deep heel cup for maximum support
- Fits in medium- to high-volume footwear
- High-density foam layer for long-lasting comfort
- Odor control coating
- Vegan
- Free of formaldehyde, latex, nickel sulfate, and preservatives
- Ideal for individuals who spend all day on their feet
- Helps relieve pain due to plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis
- Good fit, easy to adjust to
Cons:
- Heavier folks may experience arch pain
- Relatively expensive
- Not enough cushioning according to some users
Superfeet Black Premium Insoles are the brand’s most flexible model. Low-profile and low-volume, these inserts can help enhance the fit and feel of tight-fitting shoes, including those with non-removable stock insoles.
Made with synthetic materials, Superfeet Black Premium Insoles feature natural NXT antibacterial coating, a reinforced stabilizer cap, closed-cell foam, and an accommodating heel cup for support and stability.
People with flat feet, foot or heel pain, and/or plantar fasciitis will find comfort in the thin and light design of Superfeet Black Premium Insoles.
Pros:
- Suitable for people with flat feet and low arches
- Good for dress shoes
- Durable; can last a year of daily use
- Can be cut to the shape of the shoe
- Supports even heavy individuals
- Good for prolonged standing
- Fits as good as custom orthotics
- Firm yet comfortable
- Free of latex and animal-derived materials
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Some users complained of pain from using the insoles
Recommended by podiatrists, the Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insole offers foot control, cushioning, and flexibility. Providing medical-grade foot support, it is ideal for metatarsal, arch, heel, ankle, and knee pain, as well as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, mild overpronation, and Morton’s neuroma.
Suitable for mild to moderate pronators, the Powerstep Pinnacle features an encapsulated design and semi-rigid shell for flexibility and full arch support. The deep heel cradle protects the heel from impact during walking and running.
Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles can be used in work, casual, and athletic shoes.
Pros:
- Good for a variety of foot conditions
- Provides significant pain relief
- Needs to be broken in, but feels comfortable afterward
- Turns tough shoes into all-day shoes
- Double-layer foam cushioning for enhanced comfort
- Flexible and supportive for mild to moderate pronation
- Built-in arch support and heel cradle for motion control
- Antimicrobial top fabric
Cons:
- Too thick for some shoes
- One user complained that arch support sits too far forward
Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles promise to provide the best combination of shock absorption and energy return for lasting comfort, injury prevention, and foot pain relief.
These inserts come in seven sizes to fit youth, men’s, and women’s sizes. Good for walking, running, sports, and other activities, Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles enhance athletic performance while extending the life of your shoes.
Made with lightweight polyurethane foam, EVA, and Spencore, the Spenco PolySorb absorbs shock and offers superior cushioning. In addition, the four-way stretch fabric with Silpure antimicrobial controls odor and prevents blisters.
Pros:
- Foot feels cradled and supported
- Eliminates issues associated with shin splints
- Good for standing all day
- Affordable
- Alleviates knee pain
- Good cushioning for sports activities
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Reduces pressure at the forefoot
- Ideal for people with neutral arches
Cons:
- Sizing is off; runs large and cannot be trimmed down in some cases
- Arch support is high and hard
- Breaks down easily
Made with leather and synthetic materials, Timberland PRO Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles feature a lightweight and supportive inverted cone design that makes it different from other aftermarket inserts. The shock-absorbing cones compress and rebound with every step, returning energy back to key zones of the foot and minimizing fatigue.
The Timberland PRO also has an anatomically contoured footbed for maximum comfort, an OrthoLite top layer for moisture management, and an Outlast top cover for odor control. It fits all foot shapes thanks to its dynamic arch design.
Pros:
- Good cushioning
- Quality construction, durable
- Provides all-day support; suitable for long work days
- Easy to cut to fit
- Very comfortable
- Anti-fatigue technology delivers as promised
- Helps with aches and pains
- Good value for money
- Outlast top cover keeps feet cool and odor-free
Cons:
- A user reported that it tends to scrunch up in the shoes
- Another found it to be too thick
With a neutral arch that fits most foot types, Sof Sole Athlete Insoles are ideal for casual and athletic shoes. Good for running, walking, cross training, and everyday use, these synthetic inserts can help improve the comfort and performance of your favorite shoes.
Various technologies are integrated into the Sof Sole Athlete, including Hydrologix moisture-wicking technology to keep feet dry, gel pads in the heel and forefoot to absorb shock, and Implus foam to provide cushioning and comfort.
The Sof Sole Athlete Insoles are suitable for individuals who spend hours on their feet.
Pros:
- A great all-around insole
- Fits most foot types
- Feet stay cool and dry
- True to size, can be trimmed down if needed
- Cradles and supports the foot
- Very comfortable
- Good for people who walk a lot
- Good cushioning on the forefoot
- Soft, flexible arch
Cons:
- Does not last long
- Too thick for some people
Created for individuals whose jobs require them to be on their feet all day, Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work Insoles provide lasting cushioning and arch support. These make casual shoes, sneakers, and work boots feel more comfortable on hard surfaces.
The Massaging Gel waves act like tiny springs that cushion and support feet for extended periods. In addition, cooling vents keep feet cool and dry while you work and firm columns deliver support to an overworked arch.
Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work Insoles should be cut to fit and are meant to be used as a replacement insole.
Pros:
- Good for people with plantar fasciitis
- All-day shock absorption
- Good for hard surfaces
- Helps reduce leg and foot muscle fatigue
- Forms to the shape of your forefoot
- Keep feet cool, dry, and comfortable
- Available in men’s and women’s sizes
Cons:
- Thin around the ball of the foot
- May smell funny, according to some customers
Spenco PolySorb Heavy Duty Insoles were designed for workers who want targeted shock absorption and all-day cushioning, comfort, and support. These neoprene inserts feature a low arch, forefoot crash pad, cushioned heel pad, and lightweight PolySorb foam, making them ideal for standing on hard surfaces.
Spenco PolySorb Heavy Duty Insoles deliver superior cushioning and return during prolonged standing. Plus, there’s no need to worry about smelly feet when you use these inserts; the four-way stretch fabric with Silpure antimicrobial controls odor, as well as keeps blisters at bay.
Pros:
- Great for work boots or hiking boots
- Very comfortable
- Doesn’t chafe easily
- Great for concrete and other hard surfaces
- Reasonably priced; value for money
- Very durable
- Can be trimmed to fit
- Targeted shock absorption
- Designed for heavy use, but also good for all-around use
Cons:
- Some users found the heel area to be too thick
- Caused aching arches for others
Made for active lifestyles, Sof Sole Airr Performance Insoles are packed with various features that allow you to go about your day without any pain. For superior shock absorption, there are Skydex air capsules in the heel and arch as well as polymer gel in the forefoot.
To keep feet cool and comfortable, the Sof Sole Airr has a Coolmax moisture-wicking top cover and polyurethane footbed. The neutral contour design and reinforced stability plate in the arch deliver motion control and support for users with low arches.
Pros:
- Long lasting; one customer used his for three years almost daily
- Suitable for people with flat feet
- Good for active folks
- Feels very comfortable
- Good arch support
- Supports even heavier individuals
- Relieves and prevents pain from standing all day
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons:
- Does not fit into all shoes
- Too thick for some types of footwear, leaving insufficient space for the feet
SOLE Softec Ultra-U Inserts are created for people of all arch types. Pop them in the oven and stand on them for a couple of minutes, and you have custom insoles that follow the shape of your foot.
The thickest member of its family, the SOLE Softec Ultra-U features 3.2mm of open-cell, shock-absorbing cushioning. It is designed for roomier footwear such as hiking boots, work boots, and athletic shoes.
Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, SOLE Softec Ultra-U Insoles alleviates aches and pains from bunions, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems.
Pros:
- Customizable
- No animal products or byproducts
- Suitable for loose-fitting shoes
- Good for folks with plantar fasciitis
- Good arch support
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- One customer reported it makes his work boots very comfortable
Cons:
- Feels stiff for some users
- Too thick for some shoes
There is no one-size-fits-all insole that will solve everyone’s foot problems, which is why we’ve rounded up the 10 best insoles for standing all day to help make the decision-making process a little easier for you.
But if you were to ask us, we highly recommend Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles. There’s a reason this model has been around for decades; it simply works.
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or a hard worker whose feet take a beating daily, we hope that you found our guide useful and that you find the right insoles for you.
